This is a fun activity in Archway, London
Discover one of China’s most iconic and delicate dishes in this hands-on Chinese cooking class in London.
Xiao Long Bao are small, elegant dumplings filled with savoury pork and rich, fragrant soup. Yes — real soup — wrapped carefully inside delicate dough.
What makes them so special?
They look simple.
They are not simple.
And that’s exactly why learning them is so satisfying.
A Relaxed & Skill-Building Dim Sum Experience
In this welcoming small-group class, you’ll learn every step of making authentic Shanghai-style soup dumplings — from preparing the dough and flavourful soup filling to expertly pleating and steaming.
Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. We guide you patiently, step by step, in our spacious, air-conditioned studio. Weekday bookings are often quieter and sometimes feel like a private lesson.
This class is calm, detailed and incredibly rewarding.
In This Class, You Will Learn To:
- Prepare dumpling dough from scratch
- Create the savoury soup filling
- Wrap and pleat Xiao Long Bao properly
- Steam them to perfection
- Eat them without losing the soup (this is also a skill!)
If you’ve already attended our Buns Three Ways class (https://classbento.co.uk/w/47ys), you’ll find your wrapping skills come back quickly. Want to become a true bun professional? You can combine both classes and strengthen your technique through our add-on options.
Why Guests Love This Class
- It’s detailed but beginner-friendly
- You learn a restaurant-level skill in a relaxed setting
- The moment your dumpling holds soup successfully feels magical
- It’s impressive to recreate at home for guests
- You finally understand how these famous dumplings are made
- Many guests say this is one of the most satisfying dishes they’ve ever learned.
Add-On Experiences
All add-ons take place within the same session. Please allow an additional 30–60 minutes depending on your selection.
Popular options include:
- Big Steamed Buns Add-On – Highly recommended if you’re new to bun-making. It allows you to practise the skills step by step.
- Bubble Cocktail or Classic Tea Tasting – A refreshing pairing with your dumplings
Feel free to message us for details
If you’re travelling to join us, it’s a wonderful way to deepen your experience.
- Apron with logo to wear at home cooking in the future
- Recipe Collection Booklet to collect beautifully designed and printed recipes
Allergy Information
- Gluten is essential
- Soy is essential
- Pork is the authentic filling for Xiao Long Bao
Alternative meats or vegan fillings are not suitable for this particular dish.
For vegan buns, please join our Vegan Buns 3 Ways Class (https://classbento.co.uk/w/9qbn) or Running Custard Buns Class (https://classbento.co.uk/w/bft2).
Please contact us after booking if you have any dietary concerns.
Come and enjoy a welcoming cooking space in London where flour dusts the table, steam rises from bamboo baskets, and everyone holds their breath during the first bite.
You’ll leave with:
- Your own handmade Xiao Long Bao, most will be in your belly
- A skill most people only enjoy in restaurants
- Greater confidence in dough and pleating techniques
- And a new level of dumpling respect
Important Booking Information
- Price is per person. Each attendee must hold a valid ticket.
- This is an adult-only class (18+).
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
- Class duration is an estimate and may vary depending on group size.
No Refund Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another adult (18+). Please notify us in advance with the new attendee’s name.
Rescheduling
If you need to reschedule your booking, a £50 fee per person applies. Reschedule requests must be made at least 7 days before your scheduled class date.
Arrival & Punctuality
Classes begin promptly. A 15-minute grace period is provided. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, we may not be able to admit you and your booking will be forfeited.
Health & Safety Policy
- For the safety of all guests and in line with UK food hygiene guidance, anyone experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or similar symptoms must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before attending the class
- Guests may be asked to confirm this upon arrival
- We reserve the right to refuse entry if this requirement is not met
We appreciate your understanding, as our small-group classes require advance preparation and planning.
We look forward to cooking with you!
